NHS doctors and nurses are to be offered spirituality lessons in an attempt to give patients more compassionate care.

Staff will be able to qualify in the subject with a diploma approved by Government exams watchdog Ofqual.

The sixteen-day training will teach healthcare professionals how to improve their bedside manner and encourage patients to have more meaningful lives.

NHS staff are to be offered spirituality lessons in an attempt to give patients more compassionate care (stock photo)

Course leader William Bloom, who describes himself as a mind-body-spirit teacher, said: ‘The course has nothing to do with religion – it’s about showing people how to connect more with other human beings.’

GP Stuart Kempster says the course, which costs from £950 and will run this autumn at the Alternatives programme in London and at Findhorn College in Scotland, has helped him enjoy a better relationship with his patients.